TRL History
Established in 1968, Timberland Regional Library began as a cooperative effort to enhance library services in response to community requests and now operates 29 libraries, mobile services and kiosks, offering over 1 million items to more than half a million people in Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston counties. In addition to service points located throughout the district, TRL offers a robust collection of online and digital resources to meet the needs of our diverse communities.
Founding an Intercounty Rural Library District
TRL was established as a type of local government organization known as an Intercounty Rural Library District, specifically created to provide library services in unincorporated areas outside of city limits (RCW 27.12.010). Since its founding, many cities and towns in the region have officially joined the system so their residents can use Timberland libraries as well. TRL also provides library services to all Native American tribes with federally recognized lands located within the library’s service area (RCW 27.12.285).
Learn More: Special Purpose Districts (MRSC)
Annexed Cities and Towns
Cities and towns within the TRL service area may receive library services in one of two ways: they can either sign a contract with TRL (RCW 27.12.180), or become part of the library district through a process called annexation (RCW 27.12.370).
When TRL was established in 1968, several cities chose to join the system or contract with it to provide library services for their residents. Over time, those contracts were replaced with formal annexation agreements. The cities that were part of TRL when it was established were Aberdeen, Belfair, Centralia, Ilwaco, Lacey, Montesano, Oakville, Olympia, South Bend, Tumwater, Westport, Winlock and Yelm.
Since then, more cities have joined TRL. Today, 24 cities and towns across the 5-county region are part of the library system.
The cities of Napavine, Mossyrock, Morton, Ocean Shores, and Pe Ell—have not joined the district. Because their residents don’t pay local taxes that support TRL, people living in those cities must purchase a nonresident library card if they want to use TRL services. The cost of this card is based on the average amount that households in annexed cities pay in taxes to fund the library system.
Library Service Takes Many Forms
Our library branches are what most people think of when they think of “the library.” Shelves of books, internet computers, comfy seating, and spaces to gather and connect are important services available at each of our 29 locations. Library buildings may be owned and maintained by TRL or by the cities where they are located. Where branches are located (and where they are not) is a result of decisions made over nearly six decades of TRL history throughout changing economic, demographic and technological contexts. While the expense of operating and maintaining a physical library means that we cannot have a branch in every community, TRL staff work hard to expand access to library services in new ways while remaining responsible stewards of public resources.
TRL-Owned Buildings
Nine libraries – in Amanda Park, Belfair (North Mason Library), Hoodsport, Montesano, Randle (Mountain View Library), Ocean Park, Packwood and Salkum – are TRL-owned. At these libraries TRL is wholly responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the buildings and grounds in addition to library materials, furniture and technology.
City-owned Buildings
Eighteen libraries are owned and maintained by their respective cities. At these libraries, TRL provides the collection, technology, furniture and related materials necessary to provide library services from the location. The city owns the building and is responsible for maintenance, upkeep and repairs.
Where it is financially responsible, and with approval from the Board of Trustees, TRL has partnered with cities to share costs related to renovation and remodel projects to ensure the delivery of high quality services at all of our branches.
Lucky Day Libraries
The West Olympia Library, opened in 2021, and the Hawks Prairie Library, opened in 2022, operate in spaces leased by TRL. These are unique locations known as Lucky Day libraries. The collection consists exclusively of popular materials which are not eligible for holds. These libraries are part of an ongoing pilot project that provides library services in underserved areas with high patron traffic.
Anywhere Library – Mobile Services
Launched in 2024, Anywhere Library brings library services to a variety of schools, churches, senior centers and other locations throughout the TRL Service Area, greatly expanding the accessibility of the library to community members in rural and underserved areas.
The Online Library - Our Largest “Branch”
With over 3 million visits each year our website and mobile app can be considered our largest and busiest "branch." Many resources, including ebooks, database, online programs and streaming movies, can be accessed without ever visiting a physical library.
Library Locations
Mobile Services: Anywhere Library
Books by Mail Service
Library Locations
Mobile Services: Anywhere Library
Books by Mail Service
Library Locations
